The Cubs improved their catching depth this week by signing Jonathan Lucroy and although he’s past his prime, the former 2x All-Star made a great first impression in his Cubs debut Thursday night.
Lucroy went 3-for-5, with a double and two RBIs in a 12-5 win over the Reds, collecting his first three-hit game of 2019 and the first since Aug. 24, 2018, when he was with the A’s.
With Willson Contreras on the injured list with a strained right hamstring and not expected to return until September, Victor Caratini and Lucroy will share the catching duties. However, Lucroy may receive more playing time than first expected.
Lucroy is in the 10th season of his MLB career and over the past decade he’s crossed paths with several current Cubs pitchers. He spent the second part of 2016 and the first part of 2017 with the Rangers, and caught both Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish.
Lucroy has also caught reliever Brandon Kintzler, during their time together with the Brewers, and Craig Kimbrel on the USA Baseball team.
Via ESPN.
Lucroy got the start with former teammate Cole Hamels on the mound. Before the game, the Cubs’ new catcher, who was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels earlier this month, rattled off no fewer than seven Cubs pitchers he has caught at various stops during his career.
“I’m definitely looking forward to being a part of it,” Lucroy said. “Being able to step in and not have to worry about having to learn guys on the fly, it’s pretty nice.”
Even before Contreras went down with the hamstring injury, Caratini seemed to be paired up with Darvish. Going forward, Lucroy might end up getting more playing time when Jon Lester starts, at least until Contreras returns.
But we’ll see how that plays out in August.
Caratini is having a good season, despite the question marks about him during the winter. The switch-hitter is slashing .271/.359/.466, with a career high six home runs in 133 at-bats in 2019.
Hey, as long as both catchers show their value, it’s another good problem to have for Joe Maddon.
